JULY/AUGUST 2015
NO. 34
ier40ce FOVER JJ GONSON, WENDY BLOM AND 11 OTHER LOCAL LEGENDS WHO HAVE BEEN ROCKING FOR DECADES
A HISTORY OF
LABOR DISPUTES AT TUFTS
FINALISTS REVEALED VOTE NOW UNTIL 7/25
MEET THE
LADIES OF COMICAZI
thalia tringo & associates real estate
Summer market surges on! Current Listings
22 Lincoln Street, #1, Somerville $370,000
38 Cambria Street, #1, Somerville $599,000
Great 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with exclusive driveway, porch, and basement storage. Near East Broadway and Assembly Row shops, food, and cinema. Steps to Charlestown. Walk to 2 Orange Line stops today—and 2 Green Line stops in the future.
Spacious, renovated first floor Spring Hill condo on corner lot with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, central air, storage, porch, and 1 unobstructed parking.
1 Gold Star Road Court, Cambridge $775,000
40 Mead Stteet, Somerville $849,000
Well-loved by the owners since 1968, this owner occupied 2-family would conert back to a single nicely. Unit 1 has 1 bed/ 1 bath; Unit 2 has 3 bed/1 bath on 2 floors. Beautiful yard. Walk to Davis, Porter, and Alewife T stops; steps to Mass. Ave. bus.
Renovated Davis/Teele Squares single family on a cul-desac with 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, top floor studio and office, driveway, yard. Walk to Davis Square T, Mass. Ave., and the Minuteman Bike Path.
Coming Soon
Thalia Tringo
12 Early Avenue, Medford ~ $359,000
Updated, 2nd floor condo, 9 room/1 full bath/3 bedrooms, 2-level condo. Parking and great location within walking distance of Medford Square.
President, Realtor ® 617.513.1967 cell/text Thalia@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Todd Zinn
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.852.1839 cell/text Todd@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Somerville ~ $749,000
Historic, end-unit attached single family townhouse in Winter Hill with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, walk-out finished basement. Lovely original details, high ceilings, exposed brick wall, central air, private deck and yard, driveway for 2 cars.
89 Rogers Avenue, #2 Somerville ~ $829,000
Davis/Ball Square bright, top floor, 8 room/2 full baths/ 4 bedrooms, 2-level condo. Close to everything! Exclusive garage and driveway.
Niké Damaskos
Residential Sales and Commercial Sales and Leasing 617.875.5276 Nike@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Jennifer Rose
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.943.9581 cell/text Jennifer@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Somerville
Great location! First floor condo, 6 room/4 bedrooms, 2-levels. Easy walk to Porter and Davis Squares. and includes 1 parking space.
Medford
Lovingly cared for 3-story, single family home, 9 room/2.5 baths/6 bedrooms, +/- 6388 sf lot with garage parking. Minutes from Mystic Lake, River, and conservation land with its paths and walkways.
Steps from Assembly Row Orange Line T stop and just off I 93. This 4500 sq. ft. space on 2 levels has exposed brick walls and abundant natural light from windows on 3 sides and comes with 12 parking spaces. Lease terms subject to buildout requirements and whether the property is leased wholly or subdivided.
Hannah Walters
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ®
Hannah@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Free Classes How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time for homeowners contemplating a move
6:30-7:45 pm
If the logistics of selling your home and buying a new one makes your head spin, this workshop will help make the process understandable. This workshop, led by our agents and a loan officer from a local bank, will include a 45 minute presentation and 1/2 hour Q&A session. Handouts and refreshments provided.
Is Being a Landlord Right For You?
Brendon Edwards
617.895.6267 cell/text Brendon@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
96 Middlesex Avenue, East Somerville
Wednesday, July 29th OR Tuesday, August 18th
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ® 617.216.5244 cell/text Lynn@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com
Residential Sales Specialist, Realtor ®
COMMERCIAL – FOR LEASE
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6:30-7:45 pm
Have you thought about buying a multi-family but are intimidated by the idea of being a landlord? A local attorney will help you understand your rights and obligations as a small landlord. Get your questions answered in this short, informative session. Handouts and refreshments provided.
To reserve space in a class, please email Hannah@ThaliaTringoRealEstate.com. Admission is free, but we appreciate donations of canned goods for the Somerville Homeless Coalition.
About our company... We are dedicated to representing our buyer and seller clients with integrity and professionalism. We are also commi ed to giving back to our community. Our agents donate $250 to a non-profit in honor of each transaction and Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate Inc. also gives $250 to a pre-selected group of local charities for each transaction. Visit our office, 128 Willow Avenue, on the bike path in Davis Square, Somerville.
JULY | AUGUST 2015 ::: VOLUME 34 ::: SCOUTSOMERVILLE.COM
contents 6 // EDITOR’S NOTE 8 // WINNERS & LOSERS Rats are saying “rats,” beer enthusiasts are saying “cheers,” and Hubway users: “WTF?” 10 // NEWS: LABOR UNREST DÉJÀ VU AT TUFTS The latest dispute peaked in May, but this isn’t Tufts’s first rodeo 12 // WHAT’S NEW? Big changes in the squares and citywide.
24
16 // SCOUT’S HONORED FINALISTS You choose the winners. Voting ends July 25. 24 // FEATURE: FIERCE OVER 40 Somerville all-stars 40 and older who are making this city great. 36 // SCOUT OUT: PARKS AND DECORATION Crystal Burney takes luck and optimism and pours it into Trum Field. 38 // SCOUT OUT: LADIES OF COMICAZI Four women come together to make the comic world a better place. 40 // CALENDAR & SCOUT PICKS 43 // LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY 45 // SCOUT THIS Win $50. 46 // SCOUT YOU
36 Photo, top: Wendy Blom, executive director of SCATV. Photo by Todd Danforth. Photo, bottom: Lincoln plays at Trum Field. Photo by Emily Hopkins. On the cover: JJ Gonson, owner of Cuisine en Locale. Photo by Todd Danforth.
THE ANTI- CARPENTER Though they may share a name with the noble guild that built your home, carpenter ants in fact threaten to undo all the good work of their namesake. In the United States the most commonly-found carpenter ant is the black carpenter ant, and Somerville is no different. These little beasties hole up in and around moist, decaying or hollow wood. Though they don’t eat the wood like termites, they do a number on the wood through their nesting process. The resulting damaged wood is not only often unattractive, but it can be far less stable and therefore dangerous. Carpenter ants tend to spring up in spots most vulnerable to moisture, like under and around windows and roof eaves, and on decks and porches. You’ll know they’re there if a sawdustlike material starts showing up in these or other moisture-sensitive areas. And you’ll want to act fast to get rid of them because of the effect they can have on the wood in your home. If you think you have a problem – or just want the peace of mind that comes with knowing you don’t – make a quick call to Best Pest Control Services. Unlike other companies, Best Pest will treat your home only if it’s necessary. We are a locally owned and family-operated business. We’ve been serving Somerville and greater Boston since 1984 – and not just for roaches. Ants, bedbugs, mice, rats – you name it, we’ll get rid of it. Our rates are reasonable and customer service is our top priority.
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scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
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editor’s note Freaked Under 40 By Emily Cassel
A
s I walked to meet one of the subjects for this issue’s “Fierce over 40,” I was struck by some lyrics I heard. “Wisdom’s a gift, but you’d trade it for youth,” Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig intoned from my headphones. “Age is an honor, it’s still not the truth.” I was about halfway through my interviews for the story and had become fixated on the way our culture reacts to age—in songs, like that one, and films and ads and TV shows. (Has anyone else been watching Netflix’s Grace and Frankie? Funny, right?) At 24 years old, a minimum of 16 years separates me from the youngest of the 11 Somerville mainstays I spoke to for this piece—16 daunting years full of their successes, joys, failures, missteps, hopes, dreams, plans and schemes. I interview people who are older than I am all the time, of course, but these conversations felt different. I was so aware of experiential chasms between us. I was self-conscious. Selfishly (and, in all likelihood, fairly obviously), I was probing them for advice that I could apply to my own career. They were so confident, so self-assured, with their tumultuous twenties long behind them. Which isn’t to say that anyone we featured in this issue has had it easy. The Ladies of Comicazi (p. 38) carved out their own space in this city when they realized there wasn’t a community for them. Artist and single mom Crystal Burney (p. 36) is trying to support her son with her art— whether she’s painting portraits or porches. All this is to say: Good things rarely come to those who wait. More often, they come to those who work tirelessly for years. Hopkins (left) and Cassel review materials for It’s as comforting as it is intimidating, the Scout’s Honored voting. Photo by JS O’Connor. time separating me from these successful, talented community members. Would any of the people I interviewed trade their wisdom for youth? I can’t say— I’m too green; I felt it would be forward to ask them. But judging from the fond way Pat Sullivan and Charlie Breen reflect on their years with the fire department (p. 30) or JJ Gonson’s enthusiastic gestures as she talks about the evolution of Cuisine en Locale (p. 28), I’d have to say they wouldn’t. Age is an honor.
PUBLISHER Holli Banks hbanks@scoutmagazines.com MANAGING EDITORS Emily Cassel ecassel@scoutmagazines.com Emily Hopkins ehopkins@scoutmagazines.com LEAD MARKETING STRATEGIST Jackie Piscatelli jpiscatelli@scoutmagazines.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jeffrey O’Connor joconnor@scoutmagazines.com OFFICE MANAGER Melinda LaCourse mlacourse@scoutmagazines.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Nicolle Renick design@scoutmagazines.com renickdesign.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Gaudette, Bill Shaner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jess Benjamin jsbenjamin.tumblr.com Chrissy Bulakites chrissybulakites.com Todd Danforth toddjdanforth.com COPY EDITOR Cady Vishniac WEB HOST Truly Good Design trulygooddesign.com IT SUPPORT FirstCall Computers firstcallcomputers.net BANKS PUBLICATIONS c/o Scout Somerville 191 Highland Ave., Ste. 1A Somerville, MA 02143 FIND US ONLINE scoutsomerville.com twitter.com/scoutsomerville www.facebook.com/SomervilleScout Office Phone: 617-996-2283 For advertising inquiries please contact scout@scoutmagazines.com. CIRCULATION Scout Somerville is direct-mailed bimonthly to every home and business in Somerville, reaching more than 35,000 postal addresses. An additional 1,000 copies are available at key locations in every Somerville neighborhood.
6
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
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W&L WINNERS
LOSERS
YOU. YES, YOU. Summer is the best time to be anywhere, for the most part, but it might be the best of the best time to be in Somerville. The city doesn’t just crawl out of its shell, it busts out. We’ve enjoyed Porchfest and Herbstalk, Taste of Somerville and Carnaval, and there’s lots more to come. All of these great summer activities give a whole new meaning to the local business-inspired hashtag #SomerBliss.
WASHINGTON STREET GALLERY A Prince-themed art exhibit sounds like a great idea— so good that we even featured it as a Scout Pick in our last issue. Unfortunately, it seems that the organizers of “Dig if U Will a Picture” may have missed the mark. To honor the black musician, the curator had collected almost two dozen artists—all of them white. To their credit, Washington Street Gallery accepted the criticism and canceled the show. We’re hoping that they’ll reschedule with more artists of color on the bill so that this can be remembered as the art show formerly known as whitewashed.
RIDERS ON TWO WHEELS Okay, we could probably list cyclists as winners in every issue for forever, but this time there’s some literal competition behind this designation. Both the rider on a personal bike and the rider on a Hubway got from downtown Boston to Union Square more than 10 minutes before any of the motorized transit—in this case, a car and the T. The contest was the third Rush Hour Race, hosted by the Boston Cyclists Union and the Somerville Bicycle Committee. “The idea really is to promote alternative transportation and try to get people thinking about different ways of traveling in Boston,” Somerville Bicycle Committee secretary Ken Carlson told Scout before the race. BEER ENTHUSIASTS It’s a great time to be alive and love beer, and it’s getting better by the day. In May, Caitlin Jewell and Jeff Leiter, the team behind Slumbrew, opened a taproom and brewery in Boynton Yards. The pair is about to have company (or competition) when Indignant Brewing Company, which is new to the scene, opens a joint in Winter Hill. With Slumbrew’s Assembly Row taproom and Aeronaut’s great Spring Hill digs also quenching our thirst, it’s clear that Somerville is a great place to drink beer.
RATS It’s been 18 months since Somerville announced its “war on rats” plan, and according to the city, the rats are losing. A statement released by the city states that a combination of dumpster enforcement and rodent-resistant trash containers have contributed to the reduction in sightings. Since the beginning of the year, the city says it’s received 24 reports of rodent sightings, down from 103 during the same time period last year. Either Somerville is well on its way to being pestless, or the rats have gotten chef gigs in all of the new restaurants popping up around the ‘Ville. HUBWAY RIDERS OF EAST SOMERVILLE Somerville continues to be a leading city for cyclist safety and infrastructure, but if you’re an East Somerville Hubway user, then you probably don’t get to enjoy this feature as much as you’d like. There is a notable shortage of Hubway stations in East Somerville, a problem that might have been ameliorated by added stations that were set to open in the fall. Unfortunately that’s been put on the back burner because of the sudden departure of two Department of Transportation officials, according to Dann DeMaina of the mayor’s office. The opening of the new stations has been rescheduled to spring 2016.
Someone rustle your jimmies or tickle your fancy? Let us know at scoutsomerville.com/contact-us, and we just might crown them a winner or loser. 8
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
SHOUT OUT!
E
very July and August, we sweat our way through the hottest, most humid part of a New England year. In the spirit of staying clear of the heat, we asked Painted Burro’s director of operations and beverage aficionado Alec Riveros to whip us up something that would keep us cool straight through the summer. THE DRINK: The Palomero, a play on a citrusy tequila cocktail called a Paloma. (“If you drink too many palomas, you become a Palomero,” says Riveros.) THE RECIPE: • 1 oz. Del Maguey Vida mezcal • 1.5 oz. Cocchi Americano • 1 oz. wildflower honey • 1 oz. grapefruit juice • 1 oz. lemon juice • small pinch of salt Mix in a shaker over ice and serve with a lemon wheel garnish. WHY WILL IT SAVE YOU THIS SUMMER? “It’s refreshing, simple and easy to make,” says Riveros, adding that “it’s the perfect summer sipper or slammer—depending on how thirsty you are.”
Proud nominee of Scouts Honor Award
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news LABOR TROUBLES DÉJÀ VU FOR TUFTS UNIVERSITY By Bill Shaner Additional reporting by Emily Hopkins
A
labor dispute at Tufts University. The custodial staff on one side, battling cuts. On the other side, the administration, arguing that they’re keeping costs low, and a private company, waiting to scoop up business that used to fall under the university’s jurisdiction. Sound familiar? It should. It happened in May, and it’s happened every time the administration has shuffled the janitors’ contract through the front office over the past two decades. The most recent unrest came to a climax in May, when five students led a hunger strike, refusing to eat for almost a week. As the university hammered out details for a new contract with DTZ, a private company that manages custodial services, it announced that it would cut costs by deploying janitors more efficiently. Practically speaking, that would have meant layoffs for 35 janitors. This is only the latest battle in a cyclical struggle between the administration at Tufts and the custodial staff. In 1994, the university contracted UNICCO, a company that would handle all the ins and outs of custodial work for a flat fee from the university. Previously, when Tufts directly employed its entire custodial staff, janitors received the university’s pension plan, free tuition for their children and the full list of benefits offered to a Tufts employee, according to longtime professors who have studied the issue. When the university signed off with UNICCO, janitors kept their salaries but lost these benefits that come with working for an institution of higher ed. In 1997, Tufts began to renegotiate with UNICCO, while at the same time entering talks with
ISS, another custodial service company vying for the Tufts turf. ISS levied a more competitive offer, which the university accepted. With a new acronym signing the checks, 110 janitors faced a decision: accept 25 to 30 percent salary reductions and a further loss of benefits, or walk out. Many chose to fight back. From summer to fall of 1997, staff picketed. Professors, students and community members stood by their side. Workers who refused the job offer were locked out. Local, state and national politicians got involved. They sent letters to the administration urging better treatment for the workers. Advocates pleaded: If cuts are in fact necessary, couldn’t they be made by attrition—that is, when someone leaves the position, don’t fill it? That November, the administration held a forum, though little came of it. The university failed to make changes. In the summer of 1998, faculty sent a survey to 49 janitors who either quit or were laid off in the 1997 buyout. Of the 18 who responded, eight were out of work, 15 were without health insurance and three had lost their homes. Thirteen reported leaning on food pantries or soup kitchens. “The workers get squeezed. This is nothing new, it’s been going on for some time,” said Gary Goldstein. He’s a professor of physics and astronomy at Tufts, and has been at the university since 1968. He’s seen the administration get bigger, hire more middle managers, move people around. Invest more in public relations and advertising. Hire consultants. “The university is always balancing cost against benefit and acting like a corporation, a for-profit corporation,” he said. The privatization of campus services is not isolated to Tufts. It’s a nationwide phenomenon social scientists call “the corporatization of higher education.” While universities throughout the nation retain non-profit status, a bottom line ethic has pervaded administrations, resulting in outsourced staff positions, a reduction in tenured faculty and skyrocketing tuition prices. “University administrators across the country have become very corporate,” said Goldstein, adding that some higher-ups come from forprofit sectors before joining higher ed. Corporate profits tend to be concentrated at the top, while corners and costs are cut at the bottom. Tufts, which is not alone in this pattern, tightens the belt of its labor costs by reducing staff members or finding a way to revoke benefits, in this case by privatization. Meanwhile, top administration members enjoy exorbitant salaries. According to a 2013 report from The Chronicle of Higher Education, the number of college presidents taking home over $1 million salaries jumped from 36 in 2010 to 42 in 2011. That same year,
While universities throughout the nation retain non-profit status, a bottom line ethic has pervaded administrations.
SEPTEMBER 1994
APRIL 1994 10
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
SEPTEMBER 1997
total compensation for then-Tufts President Lawrence S. Bacow peaked at $2,223,752. Recently, adjunct and part-time faculty at Tufts have unionized. It gives them a way to fight back, improving their salary positions and job stability, said Paul Joseph, a sociology professor at Tufts. Adjunct faculty everywhere find it hard to get work and don’t feel they’re fairly compensated, and many do not receive university benefits, according to a study compiled by the American Association of University Professors. The janitors’ union had the chance to roadblock the first cuts. Some feel they whiffed. According to Joseph, the local union, SEIU Local 245, was sanctioned by the national chapter for failing to protect the Tufts janitors against the woes of outsourcing. The union has been much more visible this April and May, and continues to advocate for the janitors as they try to negotiate. “Certainly a good thing,” said Joseph. “And as for the role of the students and faculty, it’s the same as it’s ever been. Students and faculty can shame and embarrass the university and advocate for different policies.” But what if, despite the rallies, the hunger strikes, the blocking of traffic and the angry letters, the university doesn’t listen? Short answer: They have the time and capital to wait out the fervor of dissent. “It is, I think, a calculated move on their part in many ways that they’re beginning to do the permanent cuts now,” said Anna Gaebler, a member of the Tufts Labor Coalition (TLC) who has been involved in the latest resistance. Despite continued protests, Tufts has moved forward with the cuts. They say they’ll meet with the coalition, but not until July or early August. Gaebler says that TLC is hoping to delay talks and further cuts until the end of August, when students will be back. “The administration has been incredibly resistant,” she said. “They know that August 31, students will be back on campus. We’ll have a broader base of support then, so it is easier for them to implement these cuts over the summer when most students are gone, and the students who are here are working or have other obligations.”
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scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
11
what’s new?
COMING SOON TO A DAVIS NEAR YOU
DAVIS SQUARE
NINE BAR ESPRESSO
Photo by Rachel Leah Blumenthal
We said a quick hello and goodbye to Kindred Tonic & Tea at this space (11 Holland St.) but now it appears that a new cafe might be in the works. Whispers of the plans came via Eater Boston, who spied the name Nine Bar Espresso on a licensing commission meeting agenda in June. If Eater is right, Nine Bar will be under the same ownership as Porter Square’s Simon’s Coffee Shop. We’ll stick this in the “wait and see” category.
THE CHANGING FACE OF UNION SQUARE
DAVIS SQUARE
UNION SQUARE
This Mexican eatery already has two locations in Medford and Boston and a couple of food trucks, but it’s fixin’ to set up shop right here in the ‘Ville. They’ve yet to announce an official opening, but when they do, it will be at 382 Highland Ave.
JULIET
T
he duo behind the Bread & Salt Hospitality popups has set its sights on a permanent location (257 Washington St.). Chef Josh Lewin and his partner Katrina Jazayerli say that the bones of what once was Sherman Cafe will remain intact, but that everything else will be all Juliet. They hope to stay true to the neighborhood by offering quick takeaway items and coffee as well as a full-service menu. The pair launched a Kickstarter in May and successfully raised over $40,000 to fund the restaurant. UNION SQUARE
WORKBAR
Not every business needs its own office building, and Workbar (31 Union Sq.) knows that. The shared workspace will occupy the building that housed Elegant Furniture, which was ousted last fall when the rent got too damn high. UNION SQUARE
FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEKS NEW LOCATION
The City of Somerville is looking to relocate the Union Square location of its fire department. According to Interim Fire Chief Patrick Sullivan, the current location at 255 Somerville Ave. is too small for modern equipment and is prone to flooding. They have their sights set on a lot at 515 Somerville Ave., but community members are not too excited about the prospects of the move. 12
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
TENOCH
DAVIS SQUARE
DAVIS SQUARE INN
Get your scone small talk ready: There’s a new bed and breakfast in town. Located just a few minutes away from its namesake T station and 15 minutes from Tufts, the Davis Square Inn (204 Morrison Ave.) might just be where your relatives stay next time they’re in town. According to their website, they will soon be ready to take reservations for October.
CITYWIDE, CITY PRIDE
NEW!! Photo courtesy of ???????????
CITYWIDE
ALL-AMERICA CITY
National Civic League announced in June that Somerville would be one of 10 municipalities designated as an All-America City. To apply, contestants had to form a group of diverse community members to present our city’s accomplishments, including three projects that display “civic engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness, innovation and impact.” Knowing all that goes on in this city, we were a shoo-in. CITYWIDE
SOMERVILLE GREEN TECH PROGRAM
The city has rolled out its first partnership as part of this new program to let green tech companies pilot their products in the city of Somerville with Understory, a weather analytics company working out of Greentown Labs. They recently installed two solar-powered weather stations on schools near their HQ. The information gathered by the stations will be available to the city and the public. But wait, there’s more: This is the first of three pilot projects planned for 2015. CITYWIDE
PUBLIC LIGHTS GO LED
Somerville is on its way to emitting a whole lot less carbon dioxide and saving a whole lot
more moolah. Switching all city lights to the energy-efficient LED is expected to pay for itself within five years, according to the city, and could save taxpayers $450,000 annually. CITYWIDE
#SOMERBLISS
It was a hard winter, and although the sun is out now, local businesses are still feeling the chill of an especially anemic business season. That’s why Somerville Local First organized #SomerBliss, a hashtag meant to get people out supporting local businesses. Folks could use the hashtag on social media whenever they visited a local business, and the business with the most tags (which had not been announced at press time) received a SomerBliss banner and free memberships from Somerville’s business support organizations.
LATE DELIVERY EVERY NIGHT! PEPI’S PIZZERIA OPEN LATE! Sun-Mon: 4pm-12am Tues-Sat: 4pm-2am Pepi Your friend ly pizza maker
Edith - Happy to take your order
CITYWIDE
SOMERSTREETS
The public-centric street festival is back! Throughout the summer and into the fall, the Somerville Arts Council will be shutting down streets in areas all over Somerville. The idea is to let the public reclaim space as their own. In June, we celebrated the sixth annual Carnaval in East Somerville. For upcoming SomerStreets and other Arts Council events, check out our Scout Picks (p. 40).
Pizza • Paninis • Calzones Subs • Pastas • Wraps Dinner plates • Salads
617.628.5555 PEPISPIZZERIA.COM 516B MEDFORD ST.
$10 minimum for credit cards and delivery orders. scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
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What’s New?
Photo courtesy of Aeronaut
I’LL DRINK TO THAT SPRING HILL
AERONAUT TURNS 1
I
t’s hard to believe that the brewery (14 Tyler St.) that’s brought us countless pints and community events is only just now turning one year old. The group held a weeklong celebration at the end of June, complete with acrobatics, a specially designed can and even a performance by none other than the beloved Keytar Bear. Congrats, y’all! POWDERHOUSE SQUARE
SOMERVILLE STREATS
“Five food trucks and a beer garden” sounds suspiciously like an eighties romp starring Tom Selleck, but it’s what you’ll find every Tuesday this summer in Nathan Tufts Park. Organizers are calling the event Somerville StrEATS after the movement that has taken several other U.S. cities. There’s no cost to get into this mini food truck festival. Just bring your appetite (and thirst) to sample some of the Boston area’s best gourmet food trucks, including Bon Me and Somerville’s own Frozen Hoagies.
WINTER HILL
INDIGNANT BREWING
Beer lovers, you were one of our winners this issue, and here’s what you can look forward to this fall: Jeff Roew, Indignant co-owner and head brewer, comes packing experience with Harpoon and Cape Cod Beer. His brand new brewery will offer small plates and lots and lots of beer at 328 Broadway, and is set to open sometime in September. Bottoms up! SPRING HILL
TASTING COUNTER
This is not your mother’s counter meal. The Tasting Counter, which will set up inside Aeronaut Brewing Company’s space (14 Tyler St.), will offer ticketed dinners to 20 diners per service. The kitchen will be open, so you’ll have a show with your dinner. Suds and sweets will be provided by Aeronaut and Somerville Chocolates. Lunches are three courses and dinners are nine. As of press, they were opening imminently, so keep an eye out!
UNLIKELY CHANGES CITYWIDE
Philip Mitza allegedly pulled election papers in late May.
It’s been almost a decade since Joseph Curtatone had anyone challenge his mayorship, but that may change this time around. According to Wicked Local,
WINTER HILL
A NEW MAYOR IN TOWN?
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July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
PATSY’S PASTRY SHOP
The rumor mill originally churned out news that this 46-year-old
bakery would shutter its doors to make way for condos, but after a few days of vacation, the owners changed their tune, according to Eater Boston. The condos are still going up, but Patsy’s (182 Broadway) will return after construction is complete.
SOMETHING GOLD CAN STAY URMET CRE AL GO ATIO N I G NS RI
O
Photo by Cory Doctorow.
BOYNTON YARDS
PAPERCUT ZINE LIBRARY
Papercut has been in a bit of limbo since losing their space at what used to be Lorem Ipsum in Inman Square. For the past few months, they’ve been storing their zines and operating on and off out of a location in Allston. But now, Papercut finally has a proper home (10 Ward St.). They’ll also be making popup appearances around Somerville and beyond throughout the summer. PLUS: They’ll be celebrating their tenth anniversary on August 1 (details pending). What a bangup summer for DIY!
BALL SQUARE
TACO PARTY
The story behind this food-truck-turned-brick-andmortar puts the party in Taco Party. Keith Schubert spent his twenties touring the world as a drum tech for what he coyly calls “a Mighty popular local band.” He had a smorgasbord of culinary experiences, quickly went vegetarian and ultimately fell in love with the street tacos of California. What started as a mobile meal mission has settled into a permanent location (711 Broadway). Party on, Keith.
SCOUT CHECK Wherein we follow up on news that we’ve covered recently—in print or online. • THUNDER ROAD (381 Somerville Ave.): This music venue has had a ton of setbacks, from the rough winter to a cracked drainage pipe, and unfortunately had to cancel a number of optimistically booked shows. Owner Charlie Abel doesn’t want to make another prediction quite yet, but he does want you to know they’re working as fast as they can to get the place up and running. Spot something new in your neighborhood that we didn’t mention here? Send us a tip: scout@scoutmagazines.com.
Wholesale • Retail Farmer’s Markets • Factory Shop 15 Garfield Ave., Somerville 617-623-0013 www.DeanosPasta.com
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hammondre.com | 617-497-4400 Hammond Residential | Two Brattle Square | Cambridge
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S T S I L A FIN YOU VOTED AND THE NOMINEES ARE... Winners will be revealed in our September/October edition.
VOTE ONLINE AT SCOUTSOMERVILLE.COM Paper ballots available by request. Call 617.996.2283.
VOTING ENDS JULY 25!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST MUSIC VENUE o Cuisine en Locale o Johnny D’s o Sally O’Brien’s
BEST JEWELRY DESIGN o Jade Moran o E.Scott Originals o BeadKreative
BEST ART GALLERY o Museum of Bad Art o Nave Gallery o Blue Cloud Gallery
BEST EVENT o Porchfest o Herbstalk o Fluff Fest
BEST COMEDY SHOW/CLUB o The Burren o Comedy Sportz o Johnny D’s
BEST PRINT SHOP/DESIGN o Albertine Press o Union Press o UPS Somerville Ave
BEST LOCAL (NON-SCOUT) MEDIA o Patch o Somerville Beat o SCATV BEST VISUAL ARTIST o Ashley Rose o Emily Garfield o Rachel Mello CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
RANKED 3RD IN USA TODAY FOR BEST ASIAN FOOD IN BOSTON!
Check out the review of Mix-It in the June 2015 issue of Globe Magazine, where we were named as one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.
WE DELIVER
LUNCH&DINNER TEL: (617) 547-0212 | WWW. MIXITRESTAURANT.COM 1678 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, CAMBRIDGE | MIDWAY BETWEEN HARVARD SQ. AND PORTER SQ. scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
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FINALISTS BEST WELLNESS SERVICE o Float Boston o Outback Physical Therapy o Union Square Acupuncture BEST BEAUTY CARE o Skin & Body Works o J’s Nail o Polished Nail
BEST TATTOO OR PIERCING STUDIO o The Boston Tattoo Company o Empire Tattoo BEST OVERALL GYM o Soul.Train o Crossfit Somerville o Achieve Fitness
BEST HAIR SALON o Hair by Christine o Studio M Barbershop & Salon o Salon Cu
BEST YOGA STUDIO o Be.Yoga o Bow Street Yoga o O2 Yoga
BEST BARBERSHOP o 968 The Shop o Dente’s o Razor’s
BEST COMMUNITY CLASSES o OnStage Dance Company o BeadKreative o Zumba with Jess
BEST MASSAGE o Sans Stress o Blue Fern Massage o Massage Therapy Works
BEST DENTIST o Smiles by Rosi o Dr. Lorna Lally o Dr. Katie Talmo
INDIVIDUALIZED
PRIVATE SERVICES21 Bow St. Acupuncture Herbs Moxabustion Tui Na Cupping Magnet Therapy
BEST INSURANCE AGENCY o John M.Costello Insurance o Wiseman Insurance o WCC
BEST FRAME SHOP o Prince Gallery o Stanhope Framers o AC Moore
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY o Thalia Tringo & Associates o Century 21 Commonwealth o Our City Realty
BEST LANDSCAPING o Green City Growers o Your Garden Curators o Generous Earth Gardens o Clean Homes
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT o Thalia Tringo, Thalia Tringo & Associates o David Bottari, Century 21 Commonwealth
BEST FLORIST OR GARDEN SUPPLIES o Bostonian o Nellie’s Wildflowers o Ricky’s Flower Mart
BEST BANK OR CREDIT UNION o East Cambridge Savings Bank o Naveo o Somerville Credit Union
BEST BIKE SHOP o Ace Wheelworks o Somervelo o Bike Boom
BEST SHIPPING o UPS Davis Square o UPS Somerville Ave o Metro Pedal Power
BEST GIFT SHOP o Blue Cloud Gallery o Davis Squared o Magpie
SHERYL C. SAROKAS
LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST CHINESE HERBALIST
Union Square 617-718-7555
DESIGN, INSTALL, MAINTAIN
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BEST LANDSCAPING!
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GOODS & SERVICES
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
21 Bow St, Union Square 617-718-7555
Find out more at GenerousEarthGardens.com! jocelyn@generousearthgardens.com 774-392-0637
NOW OFFERING TRANSITIONING BEAUTY CONSULTATIONS Call the salon to book.
BEST FURNITURE/ HOME DECOR STORE o Sunshine Lucy’s o The Collector o City Schemes BEST “GREEN” BUSINESS o Green City Growers o Metro Pedal Power o Cuisine en Locale BEST PET SUPPLY SHOP o Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too o Riverdog o Big Fish, Little Fish BEST PET CARE o Stinky’s Kittens & Doggies Too o Riverdog o Somdog
BEST THRIFT/VINTAGE SHOP o Found o Goodwill o Buffalo Exchange
“
BEST CLOTHING STORE o What’s Nu o Found o Buffalo Exchange BEST CATERING o Dave’s Fresh Pasta o Cuisine en Locale o Redbone’s o Pennypackers
Love & be who you are.
2015 Nominee, 2013 and 2014 Winner:
BEST HAIR SALON
”
217 HIGHLAND AVENUE, SOMERVILLE • 617-776-6470 WWW.HAIRBYCHRISTINEANDCO.COM
BEST EVENT SPACE o Aeronaut o Center for Arts at the Armory o Cuisine en Locale
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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FOOD & DRINK
FINALISTS BEST RESTAURANT OVERALL o Highland Kitchen o Sarma o Foundry BEST RESTAURANT IN BALL SQUARE o Ball Square Cafe o Pescatores o Sound Bites o Kelly’s Diner BEST RESTAURANT IN DAVIS SQUARE o Foundry o Posto o Painted Burro
BEST RESTAURANT IN EAST SOMERVILLE o La Brasa o Vinny’s o East End Grille o Fasika BEST RESTAURANT IN MAGOUN SQUARE o Olde Magoun Saloon o Daddy Jones o Pennypackers
BEST RESTAURANT IN UNION SQUARE o Casa B o Brass Union o Bronwyn
BEST RESTAURANT IN ASSEMBLY o Earl’s Kitchen & Bar o Papagayo o Riverbar
BEST RESTAURANT IN WINTER HILL o Alfredo’s Italian Kitchen o Leone’s o Mama Lisa’s
BEST MEXICAN o Taco Loco o Tu y Yo o El Potro
BEST RESTAURANT NOT IN A SQUARE o Highland Kitchen o Sarma o Bergamot
BEST RESTAURANT IN TEELE SQUARE o Massala o True Bistro o Rudy’s
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN o Amsterdam Falafel o Noor Mediterranean Grill o Sarma
The
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Best Outdoor Dining
Best Breakfast
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scoutsomerville.com
B E S T H AI R S AL O N 583 SOMERVILLE AVE • 617.776.4507 WWW.STUDIOMBARBERSHOPSALON.COM
BEST ITALIAN o Victor’s o Posto o Vinny’s
BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI o Ebi Sushi o Taipei Tokyo o Yoshi
BEST PIZZA o Flatbread o A-4 o Mama Lisa’s
BEST THAI o Sweet Ginger o Lemon Thai o Palm Sugar
BEST PUB FOOD o The Independent o The Pub o Olde Magoun Saloon
BEST CLASSIC AMERICAN o R osebud American Kitchen & Bar o Highland Kitchen o Foundry
BEST CHINESE o Wang’s o Yummy Hut o Zoe’s
BEST VEGAN/VEGETARIAN o Eat at Jumbos o Blue Shirt Cafe o True Bistro
BEST INDIAN o Guru the Caterer o India Palace o Massala
BEST CHEF o J J Gonson, Cuisine en Locale o Shayne Nunes, Foundry o Dana Love, Saloon
ING INTO SUMMER!
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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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THANK YOU FOR THE
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FOOD & DRINK (continued)
FINALISTS BEST LIQUOR STORE/ WINE SHOP o Winter Hill Liquors o Downtown Wine & Spirits o Ball Square Fine Wines
BEST SERVICE o Saloon o Highland Kitchen o Foundry BEST BARTENDER o Derek McCuster, Saloon o J oe McGuirk, Highland Kitchen o Sam Treadway, Backbar BEST BEER BAR o American Fresh Taproom o Sligo o Olde Magoun Saloon BEST COCKTAIL BAR o Backbar o Saloon o Daddy Jones o Brass Union
BEST OUTDOOR DINING o Neighborhood o American Fresh Taproom o River Bar BEST BREAKFAST o Neighborhood o Ball Square Cafe o Sound Bites
BEST GOURMET/ SPECIALTY SHOP o Capone Foods o M.F. Dulock o Dave’s Fresh Pasta BEST BREWERY/DISTILLERY o S omerville Brewing (Slumbrew) o Bantam Cider o Aeronaut BEST COFFEE SHOP OR CAFE o Bloc 11 o Diesel Cafe o 3 Little Figs o True Grounds
Scout’s Honored Bash Sponsored by:
BEST BRUNCH o Highland Kitchen o Foundry o Johnny D’s BEST SWEET TOOTH SATISFIER o Gracie’s Ice Cream o Union Square Donuts o 7Ate9
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH o Diesel Cafe o The Independent o Mike’s Food & Spirits BEST TAKE OUT o Machu Picchu Chicken o City Slicker Cafe o Deli lcious BEST PLACE TO SPLURGE o Saloon o Sarma o Journeyman BEST CHEAP EATS o Anna’s Tacqueria o Amsterdam Falafel o Mike’s Food & Spirits BEST LATE NIGHT HAUNT o The Independent o Saloon o The Burren
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July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
CITYSCHEMES.COM | 22 KENT STREET | SOMERVILLE | 617.776.7777
S ESH OILE. R F 0 5 — LIN G ROOM OR SHOP ON N I T S A P— UR T VISIT O EGARS ON TA AND VIN Fresh Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamics on Tap 150 Organic Spices, 50 Organic Loose Leaf Teas, and Artisan Salts from Around the World Cheese & Charcuterie Ask About Our Personalized Birthday, Shower & Wedding Gifts
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Salt& O live Fresh oils and vinegars, artisan salts and spices
scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
23
People
Fierce Over 40
e c r Fie 40
OVER
By Emily Cassel Photos by Todd Danforth
“20 under 20!” “25 under 25!” “30 under 30!” Each year, companies from Forbes to ESPN to Spotify roll out their lists of the most talented, talked-about young people in their industries. “Look at these prodigies!” they proclaim. “So young, so gifted, so far ahead of their peers.” Lately, Somerville has been full of stories about groups of young people who are starting something, be it a life-changing new startup or a revolutionary dining concept. It’s not that there’s anything inherently wrong with celebrating the successes of the younger stars among us, and there’s certainly something to be said for people who are making waves in their teens and twenties. But isn’t there something more noble about those who toil and struggle and claw their way to the top? Who navigate triumphs and failures over the course of decades? Where are the stories about people whose success wasn’t just a flash in the pan, but was instead achieved and sustained through years of hard work, dedication and perseverance? Well, here are thirteen. From Beautiful Stuff Project founder Marina Seevak to restaurateur Ken Kelly to lifelong firefighters Patrick Sullivan and Charles Breen, we spoke with some of the community’s more seasoned mainstays to bring you their stories—where they came from, how they got where they are today. It’s one thing to be trendy under 25. It’s another thing entirely to be fierce over 40.
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July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
“M
Jason Zube
FOUNDER AND OWNER, BOSTON TATTOO COMPANY
y favorite tattoo that I ever did was on my grandmother. She was 86 at the time.” Ten years ago, at the opening of his first shop—a little place on Somerville Avenue—Jason Zube’s grandmother made the spur-of-the-moment decision to let him tattoo a tiny rosebud on her chest. “If you knew my grandmother ... she’s not uptight, but she’s a very proper lady,” he says, laughing. Zube got his first tattoo when he was an 18-year-old art student and immediately fell in love with the craft. Throughout college he apprenticed at a local parlor, a job that often involved sweeping, painting walls and laying tile. He didn’t care; from the people to the music to the smell of the place, he liked everything about the shop. After graduating, Zube lived on a pullout couch in his grandmother’s one-bedroom apartment so that he could continue his apprenticeship at another parlor about a mile from her home. He couldn’t even afford any furniture (not that he had many possessions he needed to store), but says he didn’t mind the arrangement. “When you’re doing something you love that much,” he says, “it doesn’t really matter what gets put in front of you.” Things are different for Zube today; his shop, in the heart of Davis Square, is a local favorite. Over the course of his career, he’s passed along his years of wisdom to other apprentices, many of whom have gone on to open their own establishments. “I always gave people the option to have a part-time job so they weren’t starving. I wanted to take all those distractions out for people,” Zube says. “I don’t remember anyone having to sleep on their grandmother’s couch.”
scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
25
People
Fierce Over 40
E
ast Somerville is a different place now than it was when Yvette Verdieu moved to the area in 1993, but one thing that hasn’t changed is her love for the area and her neighbors. “The community is like a family,” she says. “It always has been a family, or a team. Everybody loves each other, they always respond to each other’s needs.” During his decades on the board, Connolly has worAs a longtime executive board member of both East Somerville Neighbors for Change (ESNC) and Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), Verdieu contributed to the recent revitalization of East Somerville. “When I moved there ... it was so different from the rest of Somerville,” she says. “I felt compelled to make some changes.” Verdieu worked to empower underserved populations in the area, going so far as to found a group that went door-to-door in an effort to get people out of their homes and into the community. Verdieu no longer works with ESNC or SCC (“But my heart is still there,” she says). She helps in a different way these days through her work with Ministries of Aides International, an organization that aims to improve the social and economic situation in Haiti and provides education and medical care to the country’s children. Whether she’s working locally or on an international scale, one thing that’s for certain is that Verdieu will try to help those who need it. “I believe that I won’t stop until I close my eyes,” she says. “As long as I am still breathing, I have breath in my body, I have to go where they need me.”
Yvette Verdieu
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MINISTRIES OF AIDES INTERNATIONAL Photo by Emily Cassel
J
Jack Connolly ALDERMAN AT LARGE, CITY OF SOMERVILLE 26
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
ack Connolly, a born-and-raised, second-generation Somerville resident, has been on the city’s Board of Aldermen for more than 30 years—first as a Ward 6 Alderman from 1984 through 2005, and from 2007 through now as Alderman at Large. During his decades on the board, Connolly has worked to tackle economic issues in areas like Ball and Powderhouse Squares, and has aimed to help citizens on a one-on-one basis whenever possible. He’s also been one of the driving forces behind bringing the MBTA to Somerville. “The big items, the top-ticket items, as I like to refer to them, are red, orange and green,” Connolly says of his life’s work. His first foray into politics happened after his graduation from Boston College in the mid-’70s, when he advocated for the MBTA to build a Red Line station in Davis Square rather than bypassing the area. His connection to the T goes back generations; a few of his uncles worked for the MBTA, and his grandfather actually dug subway tunnels for the Park Street station in Boston. “I learned everything about the T from an early age,” he adds. His work to bring the T through the city may be what makes Connolly most recognizable, but it’s not necessarily the work that he wants or expects to be remembered for down the line. Instead, he hopes people recall the day-to-day efforts to answer phones, help residents with their problems and be one of Somerville’s ambassadors to City Hall. “A lot of times, you might be the force that gets a problem resolved,” he says, reflecting on the downed trees, burst pipes and neighborhood disputes that have required his attention over the years. “Those are the things I take pride in, the constituent services.”
COME IN AS A CUSTOMER, LEAVE AS A FRIEND
BEST PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH
BEST CHEAP EATS
”I needed a new car because my car was just old. I didn’t know where to go and I didn’t want to go on the highways and the byways. One day I went to pick up my daughter at school like I always do. As I was waiting I was talking to another parent who was waiting for his son. I told him about my car dilemma and he referred me to John’s Auto Sales. I live in Somerville and pass by John’s all the time. I go to the Target across the street at least twice a month and I occasionally go to the Burger King next to it. I don’t know why I didn’t think to stop by John’s when it came to car shopping, but I’m glad I talked to that parent that day and that he recommended I visit John’s. I loved the service there. I went to John’s on a Wednesday, made my decision on that car I wanted to get that day and came back to pay for my Lincoln that Friday. It was so easy with John’s. The staff wasn’t pushy at all. I felt very comfortable around him, and he didn’t pressure me into geing a car. Even if I said I liked a certain car, he asked, “Are you sure you like this car?” And that’s what I liked, because he wasn’t just trying to make the sale. He really wanted to make sure I liked that car. He gave me the keys to car and told me to take it for a spin. Now, I’m happy with my Lincoln. It’s reliable and John’s was very accommodating. I’ve already recommended this place to a lot of my friends.” – Patricia Lightbourne Aerschool Care Coordinator, Henry Buckner School
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scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
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People
Fierce Over 40
JJ Gonson
FOUNDER AND OWNER, CUISINE EN LOCALE
“T
he first thing that hit you was the smell. It was awful, it was horrifying, it was stale and cigar-y and beer-y and gross and awful … the walls were the color of tobacco, the light was dim and the ballroom floor was dark and scratched.” Unbelievably, JJ Gonson is talking about the first time she set foot in the building—now a gorgeous space—that hosts Cuisine en Locale. “We took it back,” she says forcefully. “We reclaimed it.” That’s part of her business philosophy: Give back and renew whenever possible. Gonson has passionately poured her heart into this place over the last 10 years, guiding Cuisine en Locale from its genesis as a catering service to its current incarnation as a combination catering company, delivery service, restaurant, bar and concert hall. But her relationship with the building is a symbiotic one; as much as she has fostered its growth, the unique space has allowed her to try new things like hosting shows. “Music has reached back and grabbed me and pulled me back in a couple of times in my life,” she recalls. She jokes that booking bands is “simultaneously new and eternal” for her; she’s been playing music and booking tours since she was 18, but she thought she’d left that life behind. “I started a catering company with a mission to support farms, to grow local food and community, and now, all of a sudden, I have this space.” Excitable and eager to try new things, Gonson nonetheless has a stay-the-course, tortoise-wins-the-race kind of thoughtfulness about Cuisine en Locale’s future. “If there’s one thing age gives you, it’s the wisdom of experience,” she says. But that’s not to say that every decision is so carefully planned out. She also credits her gut: “Instinct is something that you have to learn, over time, when to listen to it and when you’re just being paranoid.”
“T
he cool thing about Somerville and Cambridge is that you can have this idea about starting a yogurt co-op and email it out there on some lists, and right away you get a dozen people saying, ‘Sure, I’ll join a yogurt making co-op!’” laughs Sam Christy. Christy is a force in the Camberville cooperative community, helming a half-dozen different groups of canners, yogurt makers and bike fixers, among other things. His organizations are a testament to the power of a dedicated few—though small, the The League of Urban Canners team harvests about 5,000 pounds of fruit a year, while the Yogurt Making Co-Op cultivates about 1,500 quarts of yogurt annually. Christy was very much a champion of the DIY movement until about 10 years ago. Today, his philosophy is more DIT: “Do It Together.” “At one point I was just like, ‘Wait, this makes no sense. All of us in our basements making things that we aren’t really that good at ourselves is totally inefficient,’” he says. “Part of the reason, at least for me, for DIY is that you don’t want to be beholden or rely on these corporations to make all of their stuff, and so the extreme reaction is to go make it all yourself. But then I thought, ‘Wait. There’s something in-between.’” And while it’s nice to make a quality product at a low price point, these cooperatives are also a chance to forge bonds between neighbors and foster a sense of community in Camberville. “DIY is very individual, but we need each other,” he says. “A lot of people join the clubs, I think, because it’s nice to meet more people and get involved.” 28
July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
Sam Christy
FOUNDER, LEAGUE OF URBAN CANNERS, THE SOMERVILLE YOGURT MAKING CO-OP, THE SOMERVILLE BIKE KITCHEN AND MORE
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Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am – 7:00pm Sat 9:00am – 5:00pm Sun: Closed
LISA J. DRAPKIN
NANCY M. DIXON
Mobile: 617-930-1288 Lisa.Drapkin@NEMoves.com
Mobile: 617-721-9755 Nancy.Dixon@NEMoves.com
PREMIER ASSOCIATE
“Lisa engenders immediate trust, with a strong knowledge of the real estate market, great ideas for how to prepare for a sale, and an infinite network of connections to help you get the job done.”
DEBBIE LEWIS REALTOR®
REALTOR®
LAURIE CRANE REALTOR®
Mobile: 617-866-8865 Laurie.Crane@NEMoves.com
Mobile: 617-461-6797 Debbie.Lewis@NEMoves.com “Debbie has a charming personality, bringing humor to the often stressful process of home buying, and always brightens our day. We would not hesitate to recommend Debbie to anyone looking to purchase in Cambridge, Somerville, or the surrounding areas.”
• A partnership of five full-time Coldwell Banker real estate professionals. • Full-time Executive Assistant. • Combined 55 years of experience.
DAVE WOOD REALTOR®
Mobile: 617-388-3054 Dave.Wood@NEMoves.com
• Honed negotiation skills. • Innovative marketing. • Intimate knowledge of current market conditions.
www.TrueHomePartners.com Call us to find out how we can partner to sell your home or find your next one. scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
29
People
Fierce Over 40
Patrick Sullivan & Charlie Breen SECOND-GENERATION SOMERVILLE FIREFIGHTERS
D
id Patrick Sullivan and Charlie Breen ever consider a career outside of the Somerville Fire Department, or was this always the path they wanted to follow? “Always this,” they answer, in unison and without hesitation, nodding their heads in affirmation. For Sullivan and Breen, the fire department is a family affair— their fathers worked together at the Broadway and Cross Street East Fire Station. Breen says, and Sullivan agrees, that their parents were “thrilled” that they chose this line of work. “This is what we’ve been into since we were very young,” says Sullivan, a lifelong Somerville resident who has been with the fire department for nearly 30 years. “We heard stories about our fathers on the job.” Breen is the department’s Chief of Operations and Sullivan is Provisional Chief of the department, but both are involved in a lot more than just fighting fires. “I don’t know if people realize how service-oriented we are,” reflects Breen, also a lifelong Somerville resident. “I think sometimes when people think of the fire department they only think of major emergencies.” While the department does handle emergency situations, they also respond to calls from people who have locked themselves out of their homes or noticed downed cable wires on a city street. After after three decades, do they feel that this career choice has been a rewarding and worthwhile one? Again, in unison, they answer: “Absolutely.”
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Ken Kelly RESTAURATEUR
I
f you eat, drink or walk around Somerville, then you’ve almost certainly dined, imbibed or passed by one of Ken Kelly’s restaurants. The local legend opened PJ Ryan’s with Conor Brennan in 1999, and today is the owner or part-owner of The Independent, Precinct, Foundry on Elm, Saloon, Brass Union and River Bar. But his success hasn’t always been such a sure thing. “I like to say that when I opened the Independent, I did the wrong thing at the wrong place at the wrong time, and did a bad job of doing it,” Kelly jokes. He founded two restaurants in two years–the Indo in 2001 and the restaurant that would become Precinct in 2003—a move that was ambitious to the point of being foolish. “It was a very bad move for a long time. It went from bad to worse for a while.” The risk would eventually pay off, just not in the short term, an almost unexpected outcome which Kelly credits to some combination of luck, timing, hard work and trial and error. By the time he opened Foundry on Elm in 2010, he says he (almost) felt like he knew what he was doing. “I made a lot of mistakes for a number of years … I’ve made some new ones, too,” he reflects. “I like to think that some of the mistakes I’ve made in the years prior were pulled together, and they made a successful restaurant from the start.” He also gives a great deal of credit to the people in this community who have made his achievements possible. Kelly briefly looked for restaurant space in Cambridge and Newton, but saw long-term potential in Somerville. He credits community involvement, the Chamber of Commerce and the local Main Streets organizations for making the city the destination it is today. “Now we’ve gotten to the stage where a business come in and they do well right out of the gate,” he says, “and that’s a great thing to see.”
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People
Fierce Over 40
Marina Seevak
FOUNDER, BEAUTIFUL STUFF PROJECT
“I
always saw the power of open-ended, process-oriented play and art for kids,” Marina Seevak says. An artist, Seevak launched her first job at the Boston Children’s Museum, where she first encountered a creative reuse center that provided an opportunity for kids to explore art with upcycled goods from the community. Seevak worked as a public school teacher in Cambridge for many years, but she would eventually use that early experience as the inspiration for the Beautiful Stuff Project, her own take on a creative reuse center that offers classes and open studio time to area children who want to play with the project’s donated art supplies. “I wanted to do something that was arts-based, experiential learning that would reach out to a population that doesn’t always get that kind of enrichment experience,” Seevak says. Many students who drop by the space at 137 Broadway have social, emotional or behavioral issues; others come from limited-income families. Seevak says they blossom in this creative environment; in fact, she’s documenting the ways that more learning—from math skills to problem solving to language development—can happen during open-ended play as opposed to class. Perhaps most importantly, the kids are excited to have a space where they can create and express themselves. “They absolutely love it. I walk into class and they say, ‘The beautiful lady is here!’” she says, laughing. “They’re just so thrilled and happy to be able to make art.”
Luis Morales
PASTOR AND COMMUNITY LEADER, VIDA REAL INTERNACIONAL
“W
e felt that God was leading us to build a church that didn’t exist,” Vida Real pastor Luis Morales says in a basement office at his East Somerville church. They must be doing something right; the church, which opened its doors in 2003, has more than 700 members. “We try to do what nobody else is doing, we try to see what nobody else is seeing.” Morales has two master’s degrees in psychology in addition to his master’s in divinity, which puts him in a unique position to help out people who are struggling in the community. He works closely with oft-marginalized groups: single parents, women and those with legal issues. (The church actually has an attorney on staff to offer legal counsel to those who need it.) He focuses a great deal of energy on helping area youth, especially those between the ages of 12 and 18, who he says are under an enormous amount of pressure. “If you made a mistake, you’re stuck with it for the rest of your life, paying for the consequences of those mistakes,” he says. He’s also worked to eliminate gang violence, and estimates that there are now more than 40 former gang members that worship in the church’s pews. Luckily, he’s not in it alone. The church has roughly one spiritual leader for every 10 members of its congregation, as well as cell groups in Framingham, Lowell, Lawrence and beyond. But he still handles many of the issues facing the congregation himself; more than once, his train of thought is interrupted by a phone call from a parishioner. “We don’t want people to bring their problems to us,” he says. “We go to them.”
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Wendy Blom
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCATV
uch like the waves that transmit the station’s hyperlocal programming to your TV each day, Wendy Blom’s path to SCATV has had its ups and downs. Blom initially got her undergraduate degree in urban sociology and thought she’d be an urban planner, until she did an internship in the field and realized she couldn’t sit still for that long. So she earned her master’s degree in a field that isn’t stationary at all— dance performance—and did performance and choreography for 10 years. Soon, she started getting into making video art featuring dancers. “And eventually, I realized that I just really liked video,” Blom laughs. She got a master’s in mass communication from Emerson, and has been working in TV ever since. “I found my place. I just loved community media,” she says. “It kind of combined the dance and the urban sociology and the television. It was all wrapped up into one.” After stints at local news stations, a public access station in Lowell and a few years at Boston Neighborhood Network, Blom came to SCATV, where she’s worked since 2004. And although she’s always had trouble staying in one place, she seems confident that this is the position that was meant for her. She loves getting to work with people of all ages and backgrounds and collaborating with nonprofits and youth programs in the area. Plus, this is an exciting time for SCATV; the station just upgraded all of its equipment to high definition, and they’re hopeful that they’ll have a portion of an HD channel on RCN within a year. “Somerville just seems to be a good fit for me,” she says with a smile.
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People
Fierce Over 40
S
Nina Underwood & Cheryl Blanchard
SISTERS, MEDICAL MISSIONARIES OF MARY Pictured here: pilot, nun and all-around rock star Nina Underwood Photo by JS O’Connor
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ome of the best stories in Somerville reside with a group of nuns who live on Highland Avenue. Cheryl Blanchard and Nina Underwood are two of nine sisters living in the Medical Missionaries of Mary house, and they and their housemates have spent their lives serving those in need at the far corners of the globe. That includes the Turkana desert in Kenya, the world’s biggest desert lake, where Underwood was actually a pilot. “Somebody donated a plane, and they needed someone to fly it, so they thought, ‘This tall American here will do it,’” Underwood says plainly. She explains that she joined the sisterhood because she felt a call to serve. Blanchard, too, wanted to help others. She initially wanted to be a nurse; “The nun bit came later,” she says, laughing. “It’s a desire to help and be with people and a desire to live in community and to … spread the word of God, which is love, to me. Love and action,” Blanchard says. Their activism hasn’t stopped now that they’re stateside; along with the Archdiocese of Boston and the Leadership of Women Religious, the sisters are currently focusing their efforts on eliminating human trafficking. “A vocation is something that grows,” Underwood says of her work with the church. Both she and Blanchard have had days where they second-guessed this choice, and Underwood jokes that, for a time, she wanted to be kicked out of the sisterhood. But ultimately, the power of the work they’ve done and continue to do has always drawn them back in. “Like marriage,” Underwood says, “it’s something you have to work at.”
FOOD & DRINK IN T H E G RE AT O U T D O O R S O P E N D AILY 1 1 AM – 1 AM ASSE M B LY ROW W W W. R IV ER-B AR.C OM
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Scout Out
Arts
Scout Out!
PARKS AND DECORATION By Emily Hopkins
T
he first weekend Crystal Burney set up her paint supplies at the Trum Field playground, it was empty except for the people she’d brought with her. It’s often empty, she says. Burney lives nearby with her 5-year-old son, Hatcher, so it’s a convenient spot for her to get to. It’s small, but there’s a playground and a fountain during the summer. Still, she says, she’ll be there for hours with her son on a nice day and not see another soul. Burney, a painter, decided this spring to try and change that. She designed a mural for the fountain bed, previously a dark, swampy green. “The space needed it,” she says. “It really, really did.” After three weeks of constant work and some elbow grease from a few little helpers, the playground has been transformed. She’s titled the piece “The Phoenix Tree” and dedicated it to three friends who’ve lost someone close in the past year. The process wasn’t without a few setbacks—a stolen paint rod, some tracked footprints—but the result is a stunning addition to Somerville’s collection of public art.
Photo by Emily Hopkins
Photo by Emily Hopki ns
Photo by JS O’Connor Photo by JS O’Connor
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Scout Out
Business
THE LADIES OF
COMICAZI By Emily Gaudette Additional reporting by Emily Hopkins Photos by Chrissy Bulakites
M
eet the Ladies of Comicazi: four women on a mission to make sure all people, especially women, have the ability to read, produce and discuss comics. They’re a small but mighty collective of geek culture fans, using the power of blogging to spread the message of the graphic world to both the masses and the marginalized. Operating out of Comicazi HQ, they lead events like a monthly book club, screenings of everything from Batman to Bob’s Burgers and an evening called Drink and Draw, a collaborative event for all visual art types that started as a networking gettogether for local comic artists. With their powers combined, they aim to wipe the floor with the stereotypes women face in the comic world. Female comic book characters have traditionally been treated as plot devices. Rather than being real people with complex inner worlds, they are merely objects whose position or obliteration drives the story forward. The trope was so common that in 1999 a comics fan devoted a website to a list of female characters who had been “depowered, raped, or cut up and stuck in the refrigerator.” The medium is much kinder to its female characters nowadays, but it’s still not perfect. Sure, there are more lead female characters than there once were, and the industry has embraced the idea that women actually read comics, but there’s still a ways to go before the comic world achieves real equality. “[Not] all women who like comics are going to enjoy the same thing,” bristles Sara Franks-Allen, recalling a recent media suggestion that women in comics are having a great year. It’s true Marvel’s female Thor was far outselling her male counterpart earlier this year, and both Marvel and DC have granted their minor female characters (see: Spider-Gwen, A-Force, Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel) independent story arcs. Indie comics starring female protagonists, like “Rat Queens,” a female-centric adventure fantasy series, have also garnered critical acclaim and impressive sales. But having a handful of leading ladies does not necessarily mean publishers are meeting the needs of their femme readers. “It’s just a phase that characters of any unrepresented group go through when they’re introduced into the canon,” says Franks-Allen. “Everyone who’s writing them is afraid to put in major flaws or anything that would make them fully rounded characters because they could be seen as saying that about all people of that race or gender or sexuality or whatever, even though that’s not the case.” For the Ladies, it’s not just about sticking a woman at the center of your story. While Franks-Allen admits that she’s huge on “The Unbeatable SquirrelGirl” and Valerie Sacchetti digs the revamped “Jem and the Holograms,” what they value more than the gender of a story’s hero are emotionally complex characters navigating detailed storylines. If comics are written or illustrated by women, that’s even better. The Ladies don’t just want to bring female-driven comics to embedded comic book fans, they also want to create a space where even the most inexperienced reader can find something to love. And they’ve certainly rooted themselves within a store and city where that belief can thrive. Long before the ladies
38 July | August 2015
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ELISE SACHETTI became The Ladies, they were already going to Comicazi. Franks-Allen says that she was the first woman to walk through their door after they opened, having supported the owners when they worked at another store, and McGrath is married to one of the owners. Even with their degree of familiarity, they insist it’s a great place to get your feet wet. “No one at Comicazi is going to make fun of you for not being familiar with the background of a particular comic book character. In fact, they’re all excited to tell you things and answer your questions,” says Sachetti. “And I would know. I’m into manga. When I come in to request they order some weird Japanese book that isn’t in the store, they find it for me, and then whoever is working at the counter wants to hear all about it.” Beyond the store, the group finds the city at large a great place for women to draw or write comics. “Somerville in general has always supported the arts and has had a really strong artistic community really woven into the fabric of the city,” says McGrath. “But there’s also sort of critical mass thing, where the more people who are out there in that community and talking about it, it’s going to engender a bigger and better community. [It feels] like there are women doing these things, so they’re supporting each other.” “I grew up in Savannah,” FranksAllen adds, “and while we had comic book stores around, we definitely didn’t have a place that was firing on all cylinders like Comicazi.” Looking to the future, the Ladies have several aspirations for the next year of collaboration. Sachetti says she’d love to devote more of her professional time to coordinating events for fans of comics in Somerville. When asked what she’d like to see the Ladies pull off in the next few years, McGrath emphatically said, “Lady Con,” and the Ladies around her murmured and nodded. In McGrath’s mind, a Lady Con would resemble Boston’s Comic Con (which this year runs from July 31 to August 2) with panels and meet-and-greets with female writers and illustrators. “I’d love to put together a showcase of women creators,” McGrath says wistfully. Until then, the Ladies of Comicazi will continue their crusade more quietly, chipping away at what’s wrong with the comic world through community, collaboration and conversation. Emily Gaudette is a freelance writer and an editor at Beutler Ink. You can reach her at emilypgaudette@gmail.com.
ALIAS: TINY DOOM ORIGIN: UNKNOWN OCCUPATION: CONFIDENTIAL AREAS OF INTEREST: DC COMICS, COSMIC MARVEL, ALL THINGS POST-APOCALYPTIC, INCLUDING SLOW ZOMBIES, ANGELS AND DEMONS DUKING IT OUT EXPERT IN: THE APOCALYPSE, GOGGLES SECRET WEAPON: OCCASIONAL BOUTS OF UNCONTROLLABLE LAUGHTER
SARA FRANKS-ALLEN ALIAS: CARTOON SARA OCCUPATION: ANIMATION ENTHUSIAST SPECIALTY: EXPERT IN ANIMATION AND PUBLISHING POLICY AREAS OF INTERESTS: SUPERHEROES, FANTASY, HUMOR, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SIDEKICKS: DANTE AND SCARLETT (CANINE JUSTICE FIGHTERS)
ERIN MCGRATH ALIAS: THE RED MENACE OCCUPATION: NONPROFIT CHAMPION AREAS OF INTEREST: DC SUPERHERO COMICS, INTELLIGENT HORROR, REALISTIC FANTASY AND WEIRD INDIE BOOKS SUPER STRENGTH: WILL READ ALMOST ANYTHING SECRET WEAKNESS: IS THE SELF-PROCLAIMED SECRETARY OF TEARJERKER BOOKS
VALERIE SACHETTI ALIAS: SMALERIE AREAS OF INTERESTS: MANGA, TELEVISION FROM THE ‘80S AND EARLY ‘90S, UNREASONABLY QUICK TO ANGER MANGA CHARACTERS, ANGELS AND DEMONS LIVING ON EARTH (PREFERABLY WITH NORMAL MUNDANE JOBS) SECRET SKILL: GRAMMAR JUJITSU ASK HER ABOUT: FAIRY TALE RETELLINGS, FANTASY, THE SUPERNATURAL, AND HUMOR
calendar Music
bit Rock & Roll.” Come for dinner, stay late for the tunes.
July 16
Sundays
Live Music 10 p.m., No Cover Highland Kitchen, 150 Highland Ave. There’s never a cover and the musician changes every week, so you can come out and discover your new favorite artist on the cheap.
Ten Foot Polecats (with Tsunami of Sound and The Sprained Ankles) 7 p.m., $10 Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St. A punky, bluesy, soulful night awaits you at Johnny D’s.
July 16
Americana Mondays 7:30 p.m., No Cover PA’s Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave. A weekly evening of stringtwangin’, foot-stompin’ Americana, led by local Greg Klyma.
Elvis Depressedly with Mitski and Eskimeaux 7 p.m., $12-$14 Cuisine en Locale, 156 Highland Ave. Between Elvis Depressedly and the cool, sweet tones of Mitski, this show will have you weeping. But in a good way.
Mondays and Thursdays
August 12
Mondays
Layers and Frames 8 p.m., $8 PA’s Lounge, 345 Somerville Ave. Chill, down-tempo folk music from Philadelphia.
Live Music at Assembly Row 6:30 p.m., Free Assembly Row, 340 Canal St. Bring a snack and your family.
July 10
Mr. Airplane Man with The Monsieurs and Party Pigs 8 p.m., $12 Cuisine en Locale, 156 Highland Ave. “We’re a little bit kitchen, a little
August 20
The Pretentious Fools Video and CD Release Party 7 p.m., $10-$15 Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St.
Scout picks
1
Photo courtesy of theemisunshine.com
40 July | August 2015
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MUSIC | July 10
EmiSunshine 8 p.m., $15-$18 Johnny D’s, 17 Holland St. If you’re a fan of anything with twang, then you have to see EmiSunshine. This 10 year old (yes, you read that right) first caught the eye of the nation when a video of her singing in a Tennessee flea market went viral in 2014. Onstage behind her ukulele, she looks and sounds like a small adult whose pipes could hold up next to the greats like Dolly Parton. EmiSunshine is the real deal, so don’t miss her when she comes to town.
There’s a lot going on in this five-piece, Cambridge-based rock power pop band.
August 22
Mandorla Music Series Presents Jean-Marie Corrois and Amol Khanapurkar 8 p.m., $12-$15 Third Life Studios, 33 Union Square This pair will seduce you with conversation and world rhythms.
Arts Saturdays
Comedysportz Boston 6:30 p.m., $15 Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm St. You can bring the family to this weekly sports-themed improv battle—the jokes are clean and the fun is plentiful.
Until July 12
HackCycle Weekends 1-5 p.m., Free Nave Gallery, 155 Powderhouse Blvd. This exhibit celebrates “recycled art of the 21st century.”
August 14-30
The Winter’s Tale 2 or 6 p.m., Free Nathan Tufts Park Directed by Sarah Gazdowicz, this production is presented with an allfemale cast and “aims to redefine modern views on domestic violence and family relations.”
August 14-September 13
Feminist Fiber Art Exhibition Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St. What was originally supposed to be a small exhibition has grown into a multisite art crawl. Visit feministfiberart.com for more information.
July 31 and August 28
Drink and Draw 7 p.m., Free Comicazi, 407 Highland Ave. BYO beer and art supplies and draw up a storm.
August 4
Legends of Ska! 7:30 p.m., $10 Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square Discover the real roots of ska in the newly independent nation of Jamaica more than 50 years ago.
2 ARTS | July 17 and 18
ArtBeat 6 p.m., Free Davis Square The Somerville Arts Council is at it again with great Photo by Steve Snodgrass community and artistic programming, this time with ArtBeat. Each year during the third week of July, Davis Square is turned into one of the region’s largest art festivals. This years theme is “loops,” and you’re meant to define that loosely: Art may include repetitious music or visual art with circles or ovals. In addition to the art, there will be vendors and musical performances. Another great weekend in Somerville.
Events Sundays
The Somerville Flea 10 a.m.-4 p.m., No Cover Davis Square Corner of Holland and Buena Vista The best flea market around is back for the 2015 season, where vendors including High Energy Vintage, Atomic Flat and the Nevermind Shop will be selling their wares.
Mondays
Learn English at the Library 6 - 7 p.m., Free Alternates between West Branch Library and East Branch Library 40 College Ave. or 115 Broadway
These English classes are free, there’s no waiting list and no registration is required.
Second Tuesdays
Trivia Night 9 p.m., No Cover Area Four, 445 Somerville Ave. Because the only thing better than pizza and beer is pizza, beer and showing off how smart you are with trivia.
Thursdays
L80’s Night 10 p.m., Free The Burren, 247 Elm St. For the ladies who live the ’80s. Music by Scattershot, drink specials for everyone, and ’80s trivia and prizes.
Dreams come true in Somerville.
Nightmare
Dream!
Porter Square Showroom 617-628-2410 closet-solutions.com
3
EVENTS | August 9
SomerStreets: Seize the Summer 12-4 p.m., Free Highland Ave. Check out the second installment of Somerville Art Council’s SomerStreets programming. As of press, a lot of specifics were still up in the air, but Nina Einchner, SAC’s Special Events Manager, could tell us that there will be live music outside the Armory and craft and food vendors along Highland Avenue. The purpose of SomerStreets is to promote active living and to give the streets back to the community for a day. There’s no better way to seize the summer.
CUSTOM CUTS, COLOR AND STYLING IN
DAVIS SQUARE
260 ELM STREET • (617) 625-1223 • LUMARJ.COM
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Calendar
Scout picks
5 FILM | August 14-16
Photo courtesy of Union Square Station Associates
4
COMMUNITY | July 24, 31 and August 7
The Space Between: Art, Green Space and the Public Realm 7:30 p.m., Free Crossfit Somerville 25 Prospect St. We all know Union Square is changing, and fast, and that’s why it’s important for us to get involved early and often. These three sessions will ask not about the development that will crop up, but the small public spaces that will be created as things are built. Presenters will give attendees a better idea of the different kinds of public space and will present successful projects from elsewhere. Make sure your voice is heard so we can keep Union Square funky!
July 10
Somerville Mobile Farmers Market Launch and Benefit 5-7 p.m., Donations encouraged Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St. This mobile market helps bring affordable, fresh and healthy food to high-need areas. Help them raise $3,500 so that they can sell fruit!
July 31 - August 2
Pet Palooza TBD Assembly Row, 340 Canal St. This somdog hosted event is still in the planning stages, but we can tell you that it will be a day of aquatic sports for dogs that you and your pup can participate in.
August 23
Memphis Soul BBQ 5K and Music Festival 12-4:30 p.m., $35-$40 The Burren, 247 Elm St. Run a bunch and then stuff your face. More info at baevents.com
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July | August 2015 scoutsomerville.com
Food & Drink Mondays
Micro Mondays 7 p.m., $40 La Brasa, 124 Broadway Enjoy a three-course meal with local brewery. Upcoming guests include Bantam Cider, Aeronaut and Jack’s Abbey. Full info at labrasasomerville.com.
Mondays
Tacos, Tacos, Tacos! 5 p.m. No Cover Cuisine en Locale, 156 Highland Ave. We we we love love love tacos tacos tacos.
Tuesdays
Somerville StrEATS 5-8 p.m., No cover Nathan Tufts Park Five food trucks and a beer garden. Need we say more?
Jaws Weekend 3 or 8 p.m., $7-$10 Somerville Theatre 55 Davis Square Watching Jaws, preferably with a can of Narragansett in hand, is just a necessary part of summer at this point, and you can do it right by catching the flick in its original 35mm format at the Somerville Theatre. You might not need a bigger boat to see this film, but you’ll probably think twice about going in the water ever again.
Fridays
Firkin Fridays 5 p.m., No Cover Aeronaut Brewing Company, 14 Tyler St. FYI: A firkin is a small cask that holds 10.8 gallons of beer. The more you know!
Kids & Teens Mondays
Knucklebones Playspace 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., $15 The Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Each week, the Armory’s performance hall becomes a play place for kids ages eight months to five years. Caregivers are required to stay, but Knucklebones staffers will be on hand to make sure everyone is having a great time!
Tuesdays in July
Pajama Storytime 6 p.m., Free Somerville Community Growing
Center, 22 Vinal St. Grab teddy and get ready for some stories. Tales will be geared towards kids aged three to six years, though all are welcome.
Saturdays
Free Family Flicks 8 p.m., Free Sylvester Baster Riverfront Park Hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.
July 23 and August 6
The Beautiful Stuff Project 4-5 p.m., Free Somerville Library, 79 Highland Ave. Crafts geared towards kids aged four to seven.
SEE FULL LISTINGS AT SCOUTSOMERVILLE.COM/ CALENDAR
Pizza and Subs fit for a king!
FOOD & DRINK
Leone’s Sub and Pizza
Since 1956
Everything made in-house to order!
CATERING TO THE SEASONED MIXOLOGISTS AND THE COCKTAIL CURIOUS ALIKE 69 HOLLAND ST, SOMERVILLE | (617) 718-2999 | THEBOSTONSHAKER.COM
292 Broadway, Somerville 617-776-2511 Open Daily 8am-11pm
65 Holland St. 617-591-2100 Menu and nightly entertainment schedule at orleansrestaurant.com
BBCO Logo Proof-NOGLOW.pdf
Mamma Lisa’s Pizzeria
12/15/08
10:59:50 PM
37 Davis Sq. 617-440-7361 bostonburgerco.com
Discover why Somerville nominated Mamma Lisa’s
617.623.9463 312 Broadway, Somerville MA 02145
“Best Restaurant, Winter Hill” and “Best Pizza”
VICTOR’S DELI & CATERING
FULL BAR • FREE DELIVERY
Daily Specials Mon, Tue, Sat 8-5 Wed, Thu, Fri 8-6 710 Broadway, Somerville (617) 625-3076 Victorsdeli.com
9 Davis Sq. 617-628-2379 mikesondavis.com
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GOODS & SERVICES
LBC BOUTIQUE & LOAN
Sell, Buy and Loan Gold, Silver, Platinum, Coins, High-end Purses like (Louis Vuitton, Channel, Gucci), High-end Jewelry, Diamonds, Antiques, Musical Instruments.....
Acupuncture And Massage Services For appointments, call 617-666-0143 or email: info@kenkodoclinic.com www.kenkodoclinic.com
• • • • •
Highest cash in the State Paid in the Same Day. Proven by Text. 233 Elm St. Somerville, Davis Sq. • (617)-821-6229 • Sell - Buy - Loan • www.Bostonpawnbroker.com
PERMANENT & SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP EYELASH EXTENSIONS SKINCARE & ADVANCED SKINCARE HAIR REMOVAL MANICURE/PEDICURE 310 CAMBRIDGE STREET | CAMBRIDGE, MA 617.661.1113 | AESTHETICAREDAYSPA.COM
Shiny things for your nest 416 Highland Ave | 617-623-3330 | www.magpie-store.com
BEST CLOTHING STORE
fun, modern gifts for him, her, house and baby.
617.666.6700 409 highland ave Davis Square
davissquared.com
ACUPUNCTURE
BARBERSHOPS
Open Space Community Acupuncture 70 Union Square #102 617-627-9700 OpenSpaceAcupuncture.com see ad page 41
Alibrandi’s Barber Shop 194 Holland St 617-628-4282
UNION SQUARE ACUPUNCTURE 21 Bow St 617-718-7555 Unionsquareacupuncture.com see ad page 18 AUTO SALES John’s Auto Sales 181 Somerville Ave 617-628-5511 johnsautosales.com see ad page 31
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CLOSETS/ORGANIZATION Closet Solutions Showroom 46 White St. 617-628-2410 closet-solutions.com see ad page 41
FLOORING Ace Floor Covering 617-628-2514 acefloorcoveringco.com
bout our company...
REAL ESTATE
We are dedicated to representing our buyer and seller clients ith integrity and professionalism. We are also commi ed to iving back to our community. Our agents donate $250 to a on-profit in honor of each transaction and Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate Inc. also gives $250 to a pre-selected roup of local charities for each transaction.
Dedicated to representing our buyer and seller clients with integrity and professionalism. Committed to giving back to our community.
isit our office, 28 Willow Avenue, n the bike path in Davis Square, omerville.
Our agents donate $250 to a non-profit in honor of each transaction and Thalia Tringo & Associates Real Estate Inc. also gives $250 to a pre-selected group of local charities for each transaction.
30 Newberne St. | 617-616-5091 | thaliarealtor.com
Innovative Adaptive Reuse in Winchester Center Lofted Townhouse for Home & Office-Studio
www.telephoneexchangelofts.com $1,550,000 Presented by Louise Olson & Scott Kistenberger Your Team for Exemplary Real Estate Service
H A R VA R D S Q UA R E
|
19 Arrow Street, Cambridge
www.olsonhomes.net | lolson@robertpaul.com | (617)470-5077
True Home Partners 1730 Mass. Ave. 617-930-1288 TrueHomePartners.com
Scout this! Scout This! Winners Debbie Leopold and her three children: Danny, Reed and Holly
C
ongratulations to Debbie Leopold and her three children for solving last issue’s Scout This! puzzle. Leopold says that her kids have been hoping for months that their entry would be chosen as the winner. “Every time Scout comes, they rifle through the pages to see where in Somerville” the Scout This! photo was taken, Leopold says, “because they always want to win it.” She says that they recognized the Crossfit Somerville font because her kids take drum and piano classes in Boynton Yards, so they drive down Prospect Street weekly, and they always have an eye out to see what kinds of crazy workouts are going on there. The winnings will be split three ways. Holly’s not sure yet what she’ll spend it on, From left: Danny, 7, Reed, 5 ½, and Holly, 9 but Reed will be saving his in a bank account and Danny will be making an investment in new Pokemon cards. Congrats, all!
Where in Somerville was this photo taken? Win $50 !
Three Ways to Enter:
» E-mail scout@scoutmagazines.com with “Scout This!” in the subject line. » Call 617-996-2283. » Enter on our website at scoutsomerville.com.
Please include your name, contact info and a photo of you with the object in the photo, if possible. Winners must be available for interview and photograph. scoutsomerville.com July | August 2015
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Scout You
Photos by Jess Benjamin
Miss Geo perform outside Bloc 11 as part of the Somerville Porchfest Mary Goodman and her dog Kiju take in the sounds of the Somerville Porchfest
Pam Greene and Jill Bogosian of Winter Hill take their dog for a walk Somervillains spend a Saturday in Union Square
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Eli Epstein, owner of Union Square Press, works a letterpress at the Somerville Open Studios Lens and Darnello shoot hoops at the Prospect Hill basketball courts
STAY CONNECTED WITH
ALDERMAN AT LARGE JACK CONNOLLY @ALDJACKCONNOLLY ALDERMAN AT LARGE JOHN M. “JACK” CONNOLLY ALDERMANJACKCONNOLLY
WWW.ALDERMANJACKCONNOLLY.COM Paid for by the Committee to Elect John M. (Jack) Connolly
July | August 2015 Scout Somerville 191 Highland Ave, Suite 1A Somerville, MA 02143
FOLLOW. POST. WIN. While all your favorite local businesses are competing for the top Scout’s Honored prize, our readers now have a chance to get in on the action! Announcing the Scout’s Honored Readers Giveaway. To be entered for a chance to win a Scout prize pack filled with Scout swag and other goodies, here’s what you have to do: 1. Follow us on Instagram @Scoutmags. If you already follow us, you’re halfway there! 2. Post a photo from any one of the 2015 Scout’s Honored nominees, listed in our July/August edition and use the hashtag #ScoutsHonored That’s it! One lucky winner will be selected to receive the Scout prize pack July 31, 2015. More details about prizes will be revealed over the next few weeks, but it’s never too early to start tagging your favorite #ScoutsHonored nominees on Instagram for a chance to win!